2016 Goodbyes: Daytona Prototypes

We say so long to the venerable Daytona Prototype race cars of Grand Am and IMSA, after 14 years, and 171 races.

http://www.dailysportscar.com/2016/12/31/2016-goodbyes-daytona-prototypes.html

Dumas Chasing 24H Le Mans LMP2 Drive

After being dropped from the Porsche factory team, who he won Le Mans with in 2016, Romain Dumas is searching for a drive for 2017 in LMP2.

http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/dumas-chasing-lmp2-drive-for-24h-le-mans/

IMSA Sets Initial 2017 Balance of Performance

IMSA has set the initial Balance of Performance for 2017 before the test session for the Rolex 24 at Daytona next weekend.

http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/imsa-sets-initial-2017-bop/

Jordan Taylor Talks DP and DPI

In an intrview with NASportscar.com, Jordan Taylor compares and contrasts the old Daytona Prototype race car, with it's successor, the Daytona Prototype International race car.

http://nasportscar.com/jordan-taylor-talks-dp-and-dpi/

More FIA WEC news

More news from the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Prost, Beche, Piquet, Senna Confirmed in Two-Car Rebellion Team

http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/rebellion-confirms-two-car-wec-effort-with-prost-beche-piquet-senna/

Calderon: RGR Sport "Doing Everything to be Back On the Grid"

http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/calderon-rgr-sport-doing-everything-to-be-back-on-the-grid-in-2017/

Lapierre to Continue with Signatech Alpine
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/lapierre-retained-by-signatech-alpine/

REVIEW: Le Mans 2016 Yearbook
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/review-le-mans-2016-yearbook/

Scuderia Corsa Set for Two-Car Ferrari 488 GTE-Am Effort
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/scuderia-corsa-set-for-two-car-ferrari-488-gte-am-effort/

More IMSA headlines

We update the headlines coming out of IMSA and specifically, the WeatherTech Sports Car Championship, that are single stories, not necessarily to do with the shuffling and reshuffling of drivers and teams during the "silly season" as updated yesterday.  Here are the goings on.

Kanaan Confirmed in Four-Car Ford GT Lineup For Rolex 24
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/kanaan-confirmed-in-four-car-ford-gt-lineup-for-rolex-24/

Sandberg Joins Change Racing for TPNAEC Races
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/sandberg-joins-change-racing-for-tpnaec/

In Case You Missed It.

Alex Job Confirms Audi TPNAEC Entry for Sweedler, Bell, Montecalvo

http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/alex-job-confirms-audi-r8-lms-for-sweedler-bell-montecalvo-in-tpnaec/

Beche Joins JDC-Miller for Rolex 24; Goikhberg Confirmed For Season
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/beche-joins-jdc-miller-for-rolex-24-full-season-lineup-confirmed/

Stevenson Confirms Single Audi Entry for Daytona
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/stevenson-confirms-single-audi-entry-for-daytona/

IMSA: JDC-Miller Motorsports Confirms Rolex Lineup

JDC-Miller Motorsports reveals their driver squad for the Rolex 24 at Daytona.  Your bonus post for this Wednesday.

http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/137388-imsa-jdc-miller-motorsports-confirms-rolex-lineup

IMSA Silly Season Updates

These updates have been sporadic.  But, yours truly is doing his best to put them in order in one blog entry.  Here's what has happened for the 2017 IMSA silly season so far.

Some of this info is fairly outdated by now, unfortunately.

Entries Open for 2017 WeatherTech Championship
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/entries-open-for-2017-imsa-weathertech-championship/

2017 IMSA Silly Season Update: Prototype
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/2017-imsa-silly-season-update-prototype/

2017 IMSA Silly Season Update: GT Le Mans
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/2017-imsa-silly-season-update-gt-le-mans/

2017 IMSA Silly Season Update: Prototype Challenge
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/2017-imsa-silly-season-update-prototype-challenge/

2017 IMSA Silly Season Update: GT Daytona
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/2017-imsa-silly-season-update-gt-daytona/

2017 IMSA Silly Season Update 2: Prototype
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/2017-imsa-silly-season-update-2-prototype/

2017 IMSA Silly Season Update 2: GT Daytona
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/2017-imsa-silly-season-update-2-gt-daytona/

2017 IMSA Silly Season Update 2: Prototype Challenge
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/2017-imsa-silly-season-update-2-prototype-challenge/

More IMSA news still to come.  Stay tuned.

IMSA: Alex Job confirms Audi for Endurance Cup

Alex Job Racing, will reduce their effort in the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship in 2017, only focusing on the four big races in the Tequila Patron North American Endurance Cup.  But, they have a strong driver squad for these events, starting at the Rolex 24 at Daytona.  They also are switching from a Porsche 911 GT3R to an Audi R8 for 2017.  Drivers include Bill Sweedler, Townsend Bell, Frankie Montecalvo, and Pierre Kaffer.

http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/137383-imsa-alex-job-confirms-audi-for-endurance-cup_137383

24H Dubai Reaches Near 100-Car Entry

Another massive entry list for the opening race of the 24 Hour Series, the 24 Hours of Dubai.  98 cars are entered at the time of this story being published.

http://sportscar365.com/other-series/24hseries/nearly-100-cars-set-for-24h-dubai/

Christmas Day Film Show: Flops & Legends

An after Christmas film show, more specifically.  Some very cool sports cars, that just weren't as successful as their designers and builders had hoped.

http://www.dailysportscar.com/2016/12/25/christmas-day-film-show-flops-legends.html

Chasing The Mighty Television

This is why yours truly sometimes has a hard time keeping up with sports car racing.  TV ratings are what it is all about, and soon, I think, many categories of sports car racing may be relegated off of television as it dies a slow death, and move to live streaming on the net.

http://nasportscar.com/chasing-the-mighty-television/

Never mind sports car racing.  All forms of racing, may become that way.

IMSA: December Daytona test sound experience

A Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukah to all the readers of Endurance... The Sports Car Racing Blog.  Yours truly, presents, a gift.  Check out Racer magazine's Marshall Pruett, and his latest podcast.  You will hear, from December testing for the Rolex 24, all the ambient sounds of each different car in all classes of competition.  Enjoy this.

http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/137362-imsa-december-daytona-test-sound-experience

Kanaan joins Ford GT squad for Rolex 24 assault

IndyCar regular Tony Kanaan will join Ford Chip Ganassi Racing for its assault on the Rolex 24 at Daytona next month, it has been announced.

http://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/kanaan-joins-ford-gt-squad-for-rolex-24-assault-861251/?s=1&r=161305&em=1

AMG-Team Riley completes Rolex 24 lineup

Mario Farnbacher and Adam Christodoulou will join Ben Keating and Jeroen Bleekemolen in the #33 Mercedes AMG GT3 for next month's 55th Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona.

http://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/amg-team-riley-completes-rolex-24-lineup-860841/?s=1&r=161305&em=1

REAR VIEW: Foyt, Waltrip Race An Aston Martin

Flashback to the 1983 24 Hours of Daytona.  As a promotional stunt, for race sponsor at the time, Pepsi Cola, A.J. Foyt, and NASCAR champion Darrell Waltrip, raced an Aston Martin Nimrod GTP prototype.  The outing did not go as planned at all.  Ironically, after the car retired, Foyt joined up with another team, Preston Henn's Swap Shop Porsche 935 outfit, and despite a downright grouchy and skeptical Frenchman, Bob Wollek, he, and Foyt, would go on to win the race, after he said of Foyt, "ugh!  He knows nothing about the car or this kind of racing!  He'll ruin our race!"  Guess again.  Those chaps, won!

http://www.racer.com/indycar/item/137344-rear-view-foyt-waltrip-race-an-aston-martin

Christmas Week Film Show: GT1

Remembering the awesome power of the GT1 class cars.  Nothing against GT3, GT4, and the other worldwide GT classes of today.  But, GT1 was something pretty special.  Check this out.

http://www.dailysportscar.com/2016/12/21/christmas-week-film-show-gt1.html

TRANS AM: Ribbs, Unsers form new team

Some legendary names are teaming up to run a car in the Trans Am Series in 2017.  Willy T. Ribbs, Al Unser Jr., and Robby Unser.  Racer magazine, has the scoop. 

http://www.racer.com/scca-home/item/137317-trans-am-ribbs-unsers-form-new-team

more Daytona testing video footage

More video of testing for 2017 at Daytona International Speedway, from YouTube channel, Fansofthe12Hours, obviously referring to the 12 Hours of Sebring. 

Go Onboard with the Acura NSX GT3

Ozz Negri Jr. from Michael Shank Racing, is your chauffeur, as we take a lap around Daytona International Speedway during the test session, about a week ago, aboard the new Acura NSX GT3.

IMSA headlines (continued)

More of the latest headlines from IMSA, as we prepare for the 24 Hours of Daytona and the beginning of the 2017 season, next month.

JDC-Miller to Focus on LMP2; PC Class Set for Reduced Entry
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/jdc-miller-to-focus-on-lmp2-pc-class-set-for-reduced-entry/

Von Moltke Exploring Next Step After Audi Exit
http://sportscar365.com/other-series/von-moltke-exploring-next-step-after-audi-exit/

IMSA to Allow Variations on LMP2 Regulations
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/imsa-to-allow-variations-on-lmp2-regulations/

Farnbacher, Christodoulou Complete AMG-Riley Lineup for Daytona
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/farnbacher-christodoulou-complete-amg-riley-lineup-for-daytona/

Acura Reveals Shank Liveries, Driver Pairings
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/acura-reveals-shank-liveries-driver-pairings/

ESM Ligier Nissan DPi Revealed; Testing Begins
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/esm-ligier-nissan-dpi-revealed-testing-begins/

Lone Star Confirms Mercedes-AMG GT3 for Skeen, Knox
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/lone-star-confirms-mercedes-amg-gt3-for-skeen-knox/

Alegra Confirms TPNAEC Program with Porsche 911 GT3 R
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/alegra-confrims-tpnaec-program-with-porsche-911-gt3-r/

IMSA Reveals 2017 Fox Sports Broadcast Schedule
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/imsa-reveals-2017-fox-sports-broadcast-schedules/

Revolutionary engineering at the 2000 24 Hours of Le Mans

Yours truly, was a witness to this miracle of motor racing technology, at age 14, in front of my eyes, on television, at the 2000 24 Hours of Le Mans.  The 68^th renewal of that great race, saw something that was unprecedented, a few different times.  Audi Sport Team Joest, entered three of their R8 prototypes for the 2000 running of Le Mans.  The #8 entry that won the race, in the hands of Frank Biela, Tom Kristensen, and Emmanuelle Pirro, did not have to undergo this procedure.  But, the team’s other two cars (#7 driven by the trio of Rinaldo Cappello, Christian Abt, and the late, great Michele Alboreto), and the #9 machine in the hands of Allan McNish, Stephane Ortelli, and Laurent Aiello, had to undergo the rear end change, which consisted of having a full rear end unit (rear end assembly plus suspension, and brake rotors and pads) fully assembled, while taking the old unit out of the car, on a hoist, and then, swinging the new unit into position, and fastening it down, which could be done in anywhere from four to seven minutes.

This practice, was so revolutionary, it was banned by the ACO (the organization that sets the rules for the 24 Hours of Le Mans).  But, despite that, it still goes down as one of the greatest technological innovations in sports car racing history.  Speedvision broadcast crews, covered both changes.  For the first one, Gregg Creamer, Alain de Cadenet, and Danny Sullivan, in the booth, with Guy Hobbs calling the actual change of parts, in the pit lane.  For the second change, play-by-play is provided by Derek Daly, David Hobbs, and Sam Posey, topside, and the men on the ground, covering the garage action, Calvin Fish, and Dorsey Schroeder.  At the same time, the Panoz team, who had the legend Mario Andretti on their driver's strength, along with David Brabham and Jan Magnussen, was also doing a gearbox change.  But that year, Panoz was not as lucky as Audi as both their cars ran into further problems.

This is a truly amazing.  Check it out.

More news about the Bathurst 12 Hours

This race comes up in February.  But, there is more news pertaining the Bathurst 12 Hours at Mount Panorama, that has come out in recent weeks.  Some of this news actually dates as far back as September.

BMW Confirms Two-Car Attack for Bathurst 12H
http://sportscar365.com/gt/bathurst-12h/bmw-confirms-two-car-attack-on-bathurst-12h/

Nissan Confirms Expanded Two-Car Effort for Bathurst 12H
http://sportscar365.com/gt/bathurst-12h/nissan-confirms-two-car-effort-for-bathurst-12h/

More Than 50 Provisional Entries for Bathurst 12H
http://sportscar365.com/gt/bathurst-12h/more-than-50-entries-for-bathurst-12h/

Lowndes, Whincup in Maranello Ferrari for Bathurst 12H
http://sportscar365.com/gt/bathurst-12h/lowndes-whincup-in-maranello-ferrari-for-bathurst-12h/

BMW Confirms Bathurst Legends for 12H Race
http://sportscar365.com/gt/bathurst-12h/bmw-confirms-bathurst-legends-for-12h/

Dalla Lana Planning Rolex 24, Bathurst 12H Double
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/dalla-lana-planning-rolex-24-bathurst-12h-double/

Van Gisbergen to Leave McLaren; Set For Mercedes Drive In Bathurst 12H

http://sportscar365.com/blancpain/van-gisbergen-to-leave-mclaren-gt-set-for-mercedes-amg-drive-in-bathurst-12h/

All the action from the Gulf 12 Hours in Abu Dhabi

Yours truly, neglected to post about this when it actually happened, last weekend.  Well, here is all the news, and all the action from the recent Gulf 12 Hours endurance race at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.

36 Cars on Preliminary Gulf 12H Entry List
http://sportscar365.com/other-series/gulf12h/36-cars-on-preliminary-gulf-12-hours-entry-list/

United Autosports Enters Three Ligier JS P3's for Gulf 12H
http://sportscar365.com/other-series/gulf12h/united-autosports-enters-three-ligier-js-p3s-for-gulf-12h/

26 Entries Set for Gulf 12H
http://sportscar365.com/other-series/gulf12h/26-entries-set-for-gulf-12-hours/

United Autosports Fastest on Thursday in Abu Dhabi
http://sportscar365.com/other-series/gulf12h/united-autosports-fastest-on-thursday-in-abu-dhabi/

Graff Tops Final Practice in Abu Dhabi
http://sportscar365.com/other-series/gulf12h/graff-tops-final-gulf-12h-practice-at-yas-marina-circuit/

Kessel Racing Claims Gulf 12H Pole
http://sportscar365.com/other-series/gulf12h/kessel-racing-claims-gulf-12h-pole/

Kessel Racing Leads Gulf 12H at Six-Hour Mark
http://sportscar365.com/other-series/gulf12h/kessel-racing-leads-gulf-12h-at-six-hour-mark/

Kessel Racing Wins Second Consecutive Gulf 12H
http://sportscar365.com/other-series/gulf12h/kessel-racing-wins-second-consecutive-gulf-12h/

More FIA WEC news

More news from the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Bamber, Tandy Test 2017-Spec Porsche 919 Hybrid
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/bamber-tandy-test-2017-spec-porsche-919-hybrid/

VIDEO: Porsche's Message to Audi's LMP1 Withdrawal
 http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/bamber-tandy-test-2017-spec-porsche-919-hybrid/

Audi's Stillborn 2017-Spec R18 Revealed
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/audis-stillborn-2017-spec-r18-revealed/

DTM Confirms Date Clash With 24H Le Mans
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/dtm-confirms-date-clash-with-le-mans/

New LMP1 Manufacturers to Receive Technical Waivers, Incentives

http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/new-lmp1-manufacturers-set-to-receive-technical-waivers-incentives/

WEC Locks Down GTE-Pro Tire Regulations
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/wec-locks-down-gte-pro-tire-regulations/

LMP1 Privateer Trophy Poised for Hiatus
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/lmp1-privateer-trophy-set-for-hiatus/

A European Le Mans Series team, could move to the FIA WEC in 2018.

Graff Confirms Second Oreca 07 Entry; WEC Effort in works for 2018
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/graff-confirms-second-oreca-07-entry/

ACO Adjusts Final Lap Classification Rule for 24H Le Mans
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/aco-adjusts-final-lap-classification-rule-at-24h-le-mans/

Scuderia Corsa Secures Second 24H Le Mans Auto-Invite
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/lemans24/scuderia-corsa-secures-second-24h-le-mans-auto-invite/

More IMSA news

One of these stories has already been highlighted, about IMSA combining the race start for both Prototype and GT classes instead of separating them like they used to.  But, there is more news, too.

Jaeger, Van Gisbergen Complete WeatherTech Lineup for Daytona
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/jaeger-van-gisbergen-complete-weathertech-lineup-for-daytona/

Combined Starts, Points Revisions Highlight Changes to Sporting Regs
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/combined-starts-highlight-sporting-regulation-changes-for-2017/

Mazda Targeting Customer DPi Program
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/mazda-targeting-customer-dpi-program/

IMSA Adjusts PC, GTD Drive Time Requirements
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/imsa-adjusts-pc-gtd-drive-times/

DPi, LMP2s Undergo Wind Tunnel Testing; Nearing Final Homologation

http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/dpi-lmp2s-undergo-wind-tunnel-dyno-testing-nearing-final-homologation/

DragonSpeed, JDC-Miller Complete Oreca 07 Shakedowns
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/elms/dragonspeed-jdc-miller-complete-oreca-07-shakedowns/

Revisiting a story we have talked about, 2017 tech regs from IMSA.

IMSA Releases 2017 Technical Regulations
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/imsa-releases-2017-technical-regulations/

PR1/Mathiasen Confirms Kimber-Smith, Guttierez, Guasch
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/pr1mathiasen-confirms-kimber-smith-gutierrez-for-season/

Technical Regulations Released For 2017 WeatherTech Championship

The 411 on the technical regulations for the 2017 IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship.

http://www.imsa.com/news/122016/technical-regulations-released-2017-weathertech-championship

Inside Dunlop's Sebring Tyre Test, 2017 LMP2s On Parade

Major effort to unlock pace and endurance potential.

http://www.dailysportscar.com/2016/12/16/inside-dunlops-sebring-tyre-test-2017-lmp2s-on-parade.html

Are We Sitting on a GT3 Implosion?

Headed into the 11th year of GT3 based production sports car racing, will these cars implode, and decline like their GT1 and GT2 predecessors did?  Matt Kistler, writing for NASportscar.com, analyzes what could happen.

http://nasportscar.com/are-we-sitting-on-a-gt3-implosion/

Hartley & Bamber Test 2017 Porsche 919 at Aragon

Bamber returns to the LMP1 cockpit ahead of the 2017 season.

http://www.dailysportscar.com/2016/12/14/hartley-bamber-test-2017-porsche-919-at-aaragon.html

Le Mans 2030 design contest

A couple of stories on the Michelin Challenge Design initiative, "Le Mans 2030", designing what the future of LMP1 racing could look like in another 15 years.  A similar idea has already been laid out and presented for Formula 1.

Inside the Michelin Challenge Design "Le Mans 2030" Selection Process

http://sportscar365.com/lemans/lemans24/inside-the-michelin-challenge-design-le-mans-2030-selection-process/

...and

Michelin Challenge Design "Le Mans 2030" Winners Announced

http://sportscar365.com/lemans/lemans24/michelin-announces-winners-of-le-mans-2030-challenge-design/

In Memoriam: Peter Gregg

Rest In Peace, sports car racing legend, Peter Gregg, who won a grand total of 11 championships during his career.  Two-time SCCA Trans Am champion.  Six-time IMSA GTO champion, and also, a four-time winner of the Rolex 24 at Daytona.  He also owned Brumos Porsche in Jacksonville, Florida, and sadly, died at age 40, of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

https://thisdayinmotorsporthistory.blogspot.com/2016/12/brumos-porsche-owner-peter-gregg-found.html?spref=fb

IMSA Daytona December Testing

More video to check out.  Once again, with credit, to YouTube user, Lanky Turtle.  Here are some videos from the December test session at Daytona International Speedway.

Cadillac DPi

 Mazda DPi

Assorted GT class cars.

IMSA Daytona December Testing footage

Bonus.  From Racer magazine, a snippet of testing footage from Daytona featuring a varied mix of different Prototype and GT class cars.  More testing video from Daytona, still to come.

IMSA abandons split starts, revises points system

A couple of other announcements by IMSA at the Daytona test session.  Split starts (separating Prototype and GT class cars), have been abandoned.  The point of this, is to provide more action.  But, the negative is, with all the cars starting together, that could trigger more first lap wrecks.  There is also going to be a revision in how the points system works.

http://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/imsa-abandons-split-starts-revises-points-system-859443/

Daytona testing news (continued), Day Two

It is day two, of the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship's first test at Daytona International Speedway before the Rolex 24.  Here is what happened via Sportscar365.

Flis: "Hurdles Getting Smaller Each Day" with Visit Florida Riley-Gibson

http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/flis-visit-florida-our-hurdles-are-getting-smaller-and-fewer-every-day/

Ford Confirms Four-Car Rolex 24 Entry
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/ford-confirms-four-car-rolex-24-entry/

Action Express Cadillacs Top Daytona Test
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/action-express-cadillacs-top-daytona-test/

Daytona Wednesday Notebook
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/daytona-wednesday-notebook-5/

*Note.  The test results, are linked, within the article about Action Express being fastest for the whole session.

We'll see you again, from Daytona International Speedway, for the mandatory test for all competitors, at the "Roar Before The Rolex 24", which is set to take place, in about three weeks.

more Daytona testing news, (Day One)

As the IMSA test session for the Rolex 24 (the first of two), is underway, more news unfolds.  Here is the latest, via Sportscar365.

PHOTOS: Daytona Monday Gallery
http://sportscar365.com/features/photography/photos-daytona-monday-gallery-2/

3GT Confirms Endurance Driver Lineup
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/3gt-confirms-endurance-driver-lineup/

Starworks Rules Out Riley-Gibson LMP2 for Daytona
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/starworks-rules-out-daytona-with-riley-gibson-lmp2/

Jonsson, Long Complete CORE Porsche Lineup For Daytona
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/jonsson-long-complete-core-porsche-lineup-for-daytona/

Vanthoor: "I've Finished a Chapter and Have Turned The Page"
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/vanthoor-ive-finished-a-chapter-and-turned-the-page/

Henzler Joins TRG for Porsche GTD Effort
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/henzler-joins-trg-for-porsche-gtd-effort/

PHOTOS: Daytona Tuesday Gallery (UPDATED)
http://sportscar365.com/features/photography/photos-daytona-tuesday-gallery-5/

Action Express Cadillac Quickest in Opening Day of Testing at Daytona
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/action-express-quickest-in-opening-day-of-daytona-test/

Gordon: "I Want To Give These Guys Everything"
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/gordon-every-lap-ive-made-in-the-car-has-been-helpful/

Daytona Tuesday Notebook
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/daytona-tuesday-notebook-4/

More news, and possible video, to come, from the test.  Stay tuned, for all the news of what happens, tomorrow.

Farnbacher, Menezes, Cindric and James Complete 3GT Lexus Enduro Lineups

Lexus and 3GT Racing, have filled out their entire driver roster for the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship endurance races.  Here is how the lineups break down for the enduros in the team's #14 and #15 entries, joining already confirmed drivers Scott Pruett, Sage Karam, Robert Alon, and Jack Hawksworth.

#14 Lexus RC F GT3
Sage Karam, Scott Pruett, Ian James, & Gustavo Menezes

#15 Lexus RC F GT3
Robert Alon, Jack Hawksworth, Austin Cindric, & Dominik Farnbacher

http://www.dailysportscar.com/2016/12/12/farnbacher-menezes-cindric-and-james-complete-3gt-lexus-endure-line-ups.html

IMSA Test - Daytona - 28 Cars - Debuts Galore

Today is the kickoff for the first Rolex 24 test session at Daytona International Speedway.  Dailysportscar.com, has all the details.

http://www.dailysportscar.com/2016/12/13/imsa-test-daytona-28-cars-debuts-galore.html

Wayne Taylor Racing Shows Cadillac DPI (pics)

For your viewing pleasure, pictures of the new Wayne Taylor Racing, Konica Minolta sponsored Cadillac DPi racer.

http://nasportscar.com/wayne-taylor-racing-shows-cadillac-dpi-pics/

Tequila Patron ESM Returns To IMSA With Familiar Lineup

After racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship the past two seasons (but also, coming back in 2016 and winning both the Rolex 24 at Daytona, and the 12 Hours of Sebring), Tequila Patron ESM returns to IMSA full-time in 2017.

http://nasportscar.com/tequila-patron-esm-returns-to-imsa-with-familiar-lineup/

FIA WEC news

Some big news in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

2017 FIA WEC Silly Season Update: GTE-Pro & GTE-Am
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/2017-wec-silly-season-update-gte-pro-gte-am/

Duval, Rast Switch to Audi DTM Program
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/duval-rast-switch-to-audi-dtm-program/

BMW Names 2018 GTE Development Drivers
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/bmw-names-2018-gte-development-drivers/

Clearwater Closing In On GTE-Am Effort With Ferrari 488
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/clearwater-closing-in-on-gte-am-program/

Walliser: Bruni Would "Fit In" to Porsche's GTE Lineup
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/walliser-bruni-would-fit-in-porsches-gte-lineup/

VIDEO: Porsche Sepang 12H Race Recap

Earl Bamber, Nick Tandy and Patrick Pilet check into Sportscar365 following their second place finish in Saturday’s Motul Sepang 12 Hours.

http://sportscar365.com/features/videos/video-porsche-sepang-12h-race-recap/

BMW Confirms 2017 WeatherTech Championship Drivers

BMW revamps it's lineup and brings in some fresh talent for the 2017 IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship.  One name, that is taking a major step into sports car racing, and has a bright future, is Briton Alexander Sims, who was part of Rowe Racing's winning squad, with a BMW M6 GT3 in the Blancpain Endurance Series 24 Hours of Spa, last July.

http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/bmw-confirms-2017-weathertech-championship-drivers/

Rusinov Remains Gold; FIA Releases Updated 2017 Driver Ratings List

The FIA released their updated driver ratings list for 2017, this past Thursday, and FIA World Endurance Championship driver, Roman Rusinov, remains a Gold status driver.

http://sportscar365.com/gt/rusinov-remains-gold-fia-releases-updated-2017-driver-ratings-list/

12 Hours of Sepang

All the news and action, from this weekend's 12 Hours of Sepang, another endurance event for the Intercontinental GT Challenge, coming up, now.

Porsche Confirms All-Factory Lineup for Sepang 12H
http://sportscar365.com/gt/igtc/porsche-confirms-all-factory-lineup-for-sepang-12h/

K-PAX Enters Sepang 12H With McLaren
http://sportscar365.com/gt/igtc/k-pax-enters-sepang-12h-with-mclaren/

Phoenix Confirms Two-Car Audi Effort for Sepang 12H
http://sportscar365.com/gt/igtc/phoenix-confirms-two-car-audi-effort-for-sepang-12h/

Sepang 12H Entry List Released
http://sportscar365.com/gt/igtc/motul-sepang-12-hours-entry-list-revealed/

Parente, van Gisbergen, Ledogar to Drive K-PAX McLaren in Sepang 12H

http://sportscar365.com/gt/igtc/parente-van-gisbergen-ledogar-to-drive-k-pax-mclaren-in-sepang-12h/

Three-Way Fight for Inaugural IGTC Title in Sepang
http://sportscar365.com/gt/igtc/three-way-fight-for-inaugural-igtc-title/

K-PAX McLaren Tops Free Practice 1 in Sepang
http://sportscar365.com/gt/igtc/k-pax-mclaren-tops-free-practice-1-in-sepang/

VIDEO: Porsche Sepang 12H Update: Thursday
http://sportscar365.com/features/videos/video-porsche-sepang-12h-update-thursday/

Phoenix Audi Quickest in Free Practice 2 at Sepang
http://sportscar365.com/gt/igtc/phoenix-audi-tops-free-practice-2-in-sepang/

Sepang Thursday Notebook
http://sportscar365.com/gt/igtc/sepang-thursday-notebook/

Christensen: "It's Fair to Say That You've Got To Earn Your Respect"
http://sportscar365.com/gt/igtc/christensen-its-fair-to-say-that-youve-got-to-earn-your-respect/

Parente Quickest in FP3 at Sepang
http://sportscar365.com/gt/igtc/parente-quickest-in-fp3/

Makowiecki Takes Manthey Porsche to Sepang 12H Pole
http://sportscar365.com/gt/igtc/makowiecki-takes-porsche-to-sepang-12h-pole/

VIDEO: Porsche Claims Sepang 12H Pole
http://sportscar365.com/features/videos/video-porsche-claims-sepang-12h-pole/

Sepang Friday Notebook
http://sportscar365.com/gt/igtc/sepang-friday-notebook/

Ratel: First Season of IGTC "Definitely Not a Disappointment"
http://sportscar365.com/gt/igtc/ratel-first-season-of-igtc-definitely-not-a-disappointment/

That was the pre-race news.  Now, for highlight articles, from the Sepang 12 Hours itself.

Bamber Leads Opening Hour in Sepang
http://sportscar365.com/gt/igtc/bamber-leads-opening-hour-in-sepang/

Porsche 1-2 After Four Hours in Sepang
http://sportscar365.com/gt/igtc/porsche-1-2-after-four-hours-in-sepang/

Audi in Control At Halfway After Rain Hits Sepang
http://sportscar365.com/gt/igtc/audi-in-control-at-halfway-after-rain-hits-sepang/

Frijns Out Front as Rain Returns With Three Hours to Go
http://sportscar365.com/gt/igtc/frijns-out-front-as-rain-returns-with-three-hours-to-go/

Phoenix Audi Wins Sepang; Vanthoor Crowned IGTC Champion
http://sportscar365.com/gt/igtc/phoenix-audi-wins-sepang-vanthoor-crowned-igtc-champion/

12 Hours of Sepang: Live Video

Here is the live video of the Sepang 12 Hours.  Check it out.

http://sportscar365.com/features/videos/live-sepang-12-hours/

What will happen is, all the news from pre-race and post-race, will be collected in one blog entry. Then, if there is video of the race after it is done, that too, will be posted.

BMW M6 GTLM testing at Sebring

Another video from Lanky Turtle.  This is the BMW M6 GTLM, testing at Sebring.  The same car, that was featured in that GT car sound comparison, blogged here, last week.

New 2017 P2 Ligier Testing at Sebring Raceway

YouTube user Lanky Turtle, catches video of the new 2017 Ligier LMP2 racer testing at Sebring International Raceway.  Check this out.

Shootout Qualifying Format Confirmed For Bathurst 12H

A simple, and effective method for qualifying has been confirmed for the Bathurst 12 Hours this February.

One classic lap of Mount Panorama will decide the winner of the Allan Simonsen Pole Award at the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour.

http://sportscar365.com/gt/bathurst-12h/pirelli-shootout-confirmed-for-bathurst-12h/

Pirelli Named Exclusive Tire Supplier for Bathurst 12H

Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour organizers have announced Pirelli as the official exclusive tyre supplier of the 2017 event, to be held at Mount Panorama on Feb. 3-5.

http://sportscar365.com/gt/bathurst-12h/pirelli-named-exclusive-tire-supplier-for-bathurst-12h/

Ratel Targeting Kyalami 9 Hour Race for 2018

Yours truly, will have some updates on GT racing, as this weekend is the Sepang 12 Hours.  But, first, a story where SRO and their CEO Stephane Ratel, has interest in reviving one of the great endurance classics that fell off the radar, for many years.  The Kyalami 9 Hours in South Africa.

http://sportscar365.com/gt/igtc/ratel-targeting-kyalami-9-hour-race-for-2018/

Sarrazin Added to Rebellion Lineup for Rolex 24

Stephane Sarrazin, a veteran of sports car racing, completes the four-driver lineup for Rebellion Racing for the Rolex 24.  Sarrazin joins Neel Jani, Nick Heidfeld, and fellow Toyota FIA World Endurance Championship factory driver, Sebastien Buemi.

http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/sarrazin-added-to-rebellion-lineup-for-rolex-24/

New DPi's Highlight December Daytona Test Entry List

We continue to focus on the December test at Daytona International Speedway, before the action begins to heat up, next month before the 55th running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona.  Yours truly has seen the entry list as it stands so far, and it's an interesting mix of cars in all classes.  You can find a link, within this article from Sportscar365.  Prototype Challenge cars are not permitted to run in the upcoming test session as they are years old already and outdated technology.

http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/new-dpis-highlight-december-test-entry-list/

IMSA: 28 cars for December Daytona test

28 cars will be welcomed by IMSA to their final test session of 2016 at Daytona International Speedway before the January test and the Rolex 24 in 2017, this coming Tuesday and Wednesday.

http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/137033-imsa-28-cars-for-december-daytona-test

More IMSA news + other things

Before we get to more news from the IMSA ranks, yours truly will also soon update the goings on in the FIA World Endurance Championship, and have some news insofar as the Ferrari Challenge races at Daytona International Speedway (if I can find that), and updates on Lamborghini Super Trofeo, throughout this week.  Right now, let us examine some of the latest IMSA headlines after Daytona testing, via Sportscar365.

DragonSpeed Confirms Rolex 24 Effort With Lapierre, Duval
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/dragonspeed-confirms-rolex-24-program/

Cressoni Joins Scuderia Corsa for TPNAEC
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/cressoni-joins-scuderia-corsa-for-tpnaec/

The latest Double Stint podcast.  Another edition, was published today, and will appear if you scroll down in this post.

Double Stint: News Roundup; Jeff Segal Interview (11-29-16)
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/double-stint-news-roundup-jeff-segal-interview-11-29-16/

Q&A With Continental's Travis Roffler on New Prototype Tire, P3 Expansion

http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/qa-with-continentals-travis-roffler-on-new-prototype-tire-lmp3-expansion/

This story has already been discussed.  But, once again, we look at the unveiling of the new Cadillac Daytona Prototype International racer.

Cadillac DPi-V.R Unveiled
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/cadillac-dpi-v-r-unveiled/

Rebellion Confirms NAEC Program; Jani, Buemi, Heidfeld for Rolex 24
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/rebellion-confirms-tpnaec-program-with-jani-buemi-heidfeld/

Doonan: Initial Feedback on Mazda RT-24P "Overwhelmingly Positive"

http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/doonan-initial-feedback-on-mazda-rt24-p-overwhelmingly-positive/

BMW Unveils Art Car for Rolex 24
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/bmw-unveils-art-car-for-rolex-24/

Konrad Set for Rolex 24 Return
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/konrad-set-for-rolex-24-return/

Jeff Gordon Set for Rolex 24 in WTR Cadillac DPi-V.R
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/jeff-gordon-to-drive-rolex-24-in-wayne-taylor-cadillac-dpi-v-r/

BMW Art Car Designer Baldessari: "Nobody Ever Wants To Be Slow!"

http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/bmw-art-car-designer-john-baldessari-nobody-ever-wants-to-be-slow/

Harvey Joins Visit Florida Racing in Management Role
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/harvey-joins-visit-florida-racing-in-management-role/

Turner Working on 2017 GTD Return
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/turner-working-on-2017-gtd-return/

Here is the second Double Stint Podcast I mentioned.  IMSA's season-in-review.

Double Stint: IMSA Season Review (12-6-16)
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/double-stint-imsa-season-review/

Grasser Confirms Two-Car Rolex 24 Effort with Lamborghini
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/grasser-confirm-two-car-rolex-24-program/

Taylor: "It's Cool Being A Part of The Project From the Ground-Up"
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/taylor-its-been-cool-being-part-of-the-project-from-the-ground-up/

Corvette Retains Full-Season Drivers for 2017
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/corvette-retains-full-season-drivers-for-2017/

More news from the FIA WEC

Headlines continue to abound in the FIA World Endurance Championship.  One big question now being asked is, could the Audi R18 continue to race, in the hands of privateer teams, even though the factory pulled the plug? 

Sanna: No Decision on Lamborghini GTE Program
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/sanna-no-decision-on-lamborghini-gte-program/

Tandy: Porsche LMP1 Deal an "Exciting Prospect"
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/tandy-porsche-lmp1-deal-an-exciting-prospect/

The first update on the 2017 FIA WEC silly season.  More to come on this situation in the coming weeks, for sure.

2017 WEC Silly Season Update
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/2017-wec-silly-season-update-lmp1-lmp2/

WEC Prologue Date Changes Due to Pope Visit
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/wec-prologue-date-changed/

Larbre Waiting on Decision from GM for Corvette GTE-Pro Effort
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/larbre-waiting-on-decision-from-gm-for-corvette-gte-pro-effort/

MTEK To Run BMW WEC Program; Schnitzer Returns to GT Racing
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/mtek-to-run-bmw-wec-program-schnitzer-returns-to-gt-racing/

Durheimer: Audi R18s Could Continue in Privateer Hands
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/durheimer-audi-r18s-can-continue-in-privateer-hands/

Vanthoor, Werner Confirmed as Porsche GT Factory Drivers

Two ace German drivers, who drove for other German automakers in the past, have both been confirmed as factory Porsche GT drivers in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/vanthoor-werner-confirmed-as-porsche-gt-factory-drivers/

These Four Twin-Turbo V8s Don't Even Sound Remotely Similar

This is too cool!  Marshall Pruett's latest podcast for Road & Track magazine doing a soundscape of four of the best, modern twin-turbo V8 powered GT sports cars in action today, either in the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship, or the Pirelli World Challenge, or for that matter, in worldwide GT championships.  For your listening pleasure, and consideration of which one you like the best, we have:

1. IMSA: Ferrari 488 GTE
2. IMSA: BMW M6 GTLM
3. Pirelli World Challenge/Blancpain Sprint & Endurance Series: McLaren 650 S GT3
4. Pirelli World Challenge/Blancpain Sprint & Endurance Series: Bentley Continental GT3

http://www.roadandtrack.com/motorsports/a31742/attack-of-the-twin-turbo-v8s/

Porsche Confirms 2017 GTE Pro WEC Programme

A pair of 911 RSR's to compete in the full WEC season next year.

http://www.dailysportscar.com/2016/12/03/porsche-confirms-2017-gte-pro-wec-programme.html

IMSA Daytona testing coverage

A bit late on this one.  But, here is what went down in November testing at Daytona for the 55th Rolex 24 at Daytona, and also, related articles about teams and drivers.

Daytona Monday Notebook
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/daytona-monday-notebook/

PR1/Mathiasen Ligier JS P217 Turns First Laps At Daytona
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/pr1mathiasen-ligier-js-p217-turns-first-laps-at-daytona/

Shank Getting Up To Speed With Acuras
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/shank-getting-up-to-speed-with-acura-nsx-gt3/

Daytona Tuesday Notebook
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/daytona-tuesday-notebook-3/

Bennett (CORE): "We're All Excited To Start This New Chapter"
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/bennett-core-were-all-excited-to-start-this-new-chapter/

Q&A With Lexus Motorsports Manager Mark Egger
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/qa-with-lexus-motorsports-manager-mark-egger/

Mazda Unveils RT24-P DPi Car
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/mazda-unveils-rt24-p-dpi-car/

PHOTOS: Mazda RT24-P Gallery
http://sportscar365.com/features/photography/photos-mazda-rt24-p-gallery/

Daytona Wednesday Notebook
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/daytona-wednesday-notebook-4/

TRG Returns To Porsche, Enters Full GTD Season
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/trg-returns-to-porsche-enters-full-gtd-season/

United Autosports Planning ELMS, IMSA LMP2 Programs
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/elms/united-autosports-planning-elms-imsa-lmp2-programs/

Aston Martin Racing Set for Rolex 24 GTD Effort
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/aston-martin-racing-set-for-rolex-24-gtd-effort/

Jagonya Ayam Targeting Daytona Entry with Ligier JS P217
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/jagonya-ayam-targeting-rolex-24-entry-in-lmp2/

More IMSA coverage to come.  Stay tuned.

Bamber, Tandy & Lotterer Added To Porsche LMP1 Lineup

Porsche has done a total refresh on their driver lineup for their 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship campaign with the 919 Hybrid.  Earl Bamber, Nick Tandy, and new hire (from the Audi program that disbanded after the end of this past season), Andre Lotterer.  The 2017 Porsche driver lineup, will be in this order for each race.

#1 Porsche 919 Hybrid = Neel Jani, Nick Tandy, & Andre Lotterer
#2 Porsche 919 Hybrid = Earl Bamber, Timo Bernhard, & Brendon Hartley

http://www.dailysportscar.com/2016/12/03/bamber-tandy-lotterer-added-to-porsche-lmp1-lineup.html

EXCERPT: A Big Ask - The Story of Ford's Return To Le Mans

In "A Big Ask: The Story of Ford's Triumphant Return to Le Mans," author David Phillips chronicles Ford's return to Le Mans 50 years after Henry Ford II opened the Ford Motor Company's checkbook to defeat bitter rival Ferrari.

http://www.racer.com/more/racer-stuff/item/136867-excerpt-a-big-ask-the-story-of-ford-s-return-to-le-mans

IMSA: Turner Motorsport BMWs Back To GTD

Turner Motorsports will be back in the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship, once again, in 2017, in GT Daytona.

http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/136930-imsa-turner-motorsport-bmws-back-to-gtd

How Cadillac and Mazda Built Vastly Different Racers for the Same Series

Road & Track magazine observes the different approaches taken by the first two manufacturer's to build race cars for IMSA's new Daytona Prototype International regulation formula, and how vastly different the contenders from Cadillac, and Mazda, are, proving that mechanical diversity still does exist in modern prototype sports car racing.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/motorsports/news/a31727/how-cadillac-and-mazda-built-vastly-different-racers-for-the-same-series/

Jeff Gordon to race new Cadillac prototype in Rolex 24 Hours

Four-time NASCAR Cup champion Jeff Gordon will join Wayne Taylor Racing for the 2017 Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona, racing the new Cadillac DPi-V.R.

 

http://www.motorsport.com/imsa/news/jeff-gordon-to-race-new-cadillac-prototype-in-rolex-24-hours-855878/?r=82414&em=1

An update on IMSA news + IMSA 2017 testing

Yours truly, hopes to blog about a couple of remaining 2016 IMSA races that I have not been able to work on yet.  But, there has been a lot of 2017 news, and, lots of testing to talk about.  We'll cover some of the general news, first.  Then, a post about testing, which has already been highlighted in some videos, too.

Mazda DPi Unveil Set for LA Auto Show
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/mazda-dpi-unveil-set-for-la-auto-show/

Revisiting a story from almost three weeks ago in an FIA WEC update post about Rebellion running Oreca 07 LMP2 machines.  This is also relevant to IMSA.

Rebellion To Run Oreca 07 LMP2 Cars
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/rebellion-to-run-oreca-07-lmp2-cars/

Visit Florida Confirms Riley-Gibson LMP2 for 2017
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/visit-florida-confirms-riley-gibson-lmp2-car-for-2017/

Hawksworth, Alon Complete 3GT Lexus Lineup
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/hawksworth-alon-complete-3gt-lexus-lineup/

Van der Zande Confirmed at Visit Florida
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/van-der-zande-confirmed-at-visit-florida/

Wilkins, Dyer Named MSR Acura Endurance Drivers
http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/wilkins-dyer-named-msr-acura-endurance-drivers/

Testing updates, coming soon.

WEC GTE World Titles Confirmed For 2017

A bonus article for Wednesday. 

World Championship titles for GTE drivers and manufacturers will be added to the FIA World Endurance Championship beginning next year, following Wednesday's FIA World Motorsport Council meeting in Vienna.

http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/gte-world-titles-announced-for-wec-in-2017/

Economic Strength and Car Counts

From a couple days ago.  Ben Wedge writing for NASportscar.com talks about how economics affects car counts for the sports car races.  This is pretty fascinating.

http://nasportscar.com/economic-strength-and-car-counts/

PWC: Gainsco/Bob Stallings switches to Porsche

After debuting in Pirelli World Challenge in 2016, Gainsco/Bob Stallings Racing, will switch manufacturers for it's sophomore season, moving from McLaren, to Porsche.

http://www.racer.com/pwc/item/136842-pwc-gainsco-switches-to-porsche-for-2017

Thiim Praises BoP for Aston Martin GTE-Pro Title Success

Nicki Thiim is delighted to have won the LM GTE-Pro championship in the FIA WEC for Aston Martin.

http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/thiim-praises-bop-for-aston-gte-pro-title-success/

2017 PWC Race Format Confirmed

Here is a story, published last week, on the format for Pirelli World Challenge races in 2017.  There will be five races for the Sprint Championship and five races for the SprintX Championship.  GTS/GT4 will have a sprint race format that carries over from the 2016 season.

http://sportscar365.com/gt/world-challenge/2017-pwc-race-format-confirmed/

This news is also in the article.  But, here is the full 2017 PWC race schedule.

2017 Pirelli World Challenge Schedule:

Mar. 10-12 – St. Petersburg (Sprint)
Apr. 7-9 – Long Beach (Sprint – GT/GTA Only)
Apr. 28-30 – Virginia International Raceway (SprintX)
May 19-21 – Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (SprintX)
May 26-27 – Lime Rock Park (SprintX)
June 23-25 – Road America (Sprint)
July 28-30 – Mid Ohio (Sprint)
Aug. 11-13 – Utah Motorsports Campus (SprintX)
Sept. 1-3 – Circuit of The Americas (SprintX)
Sept. 15-17 – Sonoma Raceway (Sprint)
Oct. 13-15 – Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca (Intercontinental GT Challenge)

Seidl (Porsche): "This is All You Can Dream of For Two Seasons in a Row"

Porsche LMP1 team boss Andreas Seidl has proclaimed 2016 to be one of the best season's ever for Porsche in endurance sports car racing.

http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/seidl-porsche-this-is-all-you-can-dream-of-for-two-seasons-in-a-row/

FIA WEC news in brief

A couple notable headlines from the FIA World Endurance Championship.  Hoping to review some of the IMSA items (including races), yours truly missed, over the off season.

VIDEO: ESM WEC Season Recap
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/video-esm-wec-season-recap/

Collard, Perrodo Step Up to LMP2 With TDS Racing
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/collard-perrodo-step-up-to-lmp2-with-tds-racing/

Sven Mueller Promoted to Porsche Factory Driver
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/sven-mueller-promoted-to-porsche-factory-driver/

Finally, a book review.  A book has been written, chronicling Porsche's record 18th overall Le Mans win from this year's race.

REVIEW: Porsche Victory 2016
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/review-porsche-victory-2016/

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich: Singing Off On 18 Years of Excellence With Audi

The final interview with the head of Audi Sport, Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, as Audi now races off into the sunset after a remarkable career and legacy in the world of sports car racing.

http://www.dailysportscar.com/2016/11/25/dr-wolfgang-ullrich-signing-off-on-18-years-of-excellence-with-audi.html

SVG to swap Europe for IMSA Mercedes Program

After clashes between Australian Supercars and GT racing, Shane van Gisbergen has left McLaren, and racing in Europe, and will now join Mercedes, to race in the car that also has the series sponsor, in the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship.  WeatherTech Racing will race a new Mercedes AMG GT3.

http://www.speedcafe.com/2016/11/25/svg-swap-europe-imsa-mercedes-program/

More Breaking FIA WEC News

Some urgent news from the FIA World Endurance Championship, including breaking news from Porsche.

Nissan Bows Out of LMP2 With WEC Season Sweep
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/nissan-bows-out-of-lmp2-with-wec-season-sweep/

Jani: "You Win A Championship By Surviving Your Bad Moments"
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/jani-you-win-a-championship-by-surviving-your-bad-moments/

WEC, GTE Manufacturers Working On Revised BoP Process
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/wec-gte-manufacturers-developing-revised-bop-process/

The latest Double Stint Podcast.

Double Stint: Bahrain Recap; Oliver Jarvis Interview (11-23-16)
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/double-stint-bahrain-recap-oliver-jarvis-interview-11-23-16/

Four-time Le Mans winner Yannick Dalmas tells what it was like to drive a modern LMP1 prototype race car.

Dalmas: "As Driver Advisor, It Was Interesting To Test the LMP1 Cars"

http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/dalmas-as-driver-advisor-it-was-very-interesting-to-test-the-lmp1-cars/

Beaumesnil: Additional LMP1 Privateer Interest for 2018
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/beaumesnil-additional-lmp1-privateer-interest-for-2018/

Alonso Downplays Rumors of WEC Move
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/alonso-downplays-rumors-of-move-to-wec/

Holt (Multimatic): "A Successful Year on Both Sides of Atlantic"

http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/holt-multimatic-a-hugely-successful-year-on-both-sides-of-the-atlantic/

World Champions Dumas, Lieb Dropped by Porsche LMP1 Team
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/dumas-lieb-dropped-by-porsche-lmp1-team/

Inside The New Mid-Engined Porsche 911 RSR
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/inside-the-new-mid-engined-porsche-911-rsr/

2001 6 Hours of the Glen

Reliving another sports car race from the past, here's the 2001 Speedvision broadcast of the Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series 6 Hours of The Glen from Watkins Glen International Raceway.  Rick Benjamin and David Hobbs, in the booth, and Guy Hobbs and John Bisignano in the pit lane, call the action. 

Can We Please Stop the Driver Ratings Madness?

Matt Kistler from NASportscar.com, opines on the problems with the FIA's Driver Ratings system.

http://nasportscar.com/can-we-please-stop-the-driver-ratings-madness/

Bahrain Content Recap

Reports and photos from this past weekend's FIA World Endurance Championship season finale in Bahrain, ICYMI.

http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/bahrain-content-recap-2/

FIA WEC news after Bahrain

Here's the latest news after the season finale of the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship season, as we look ahead to 2017, and, also, there is a test session going on in Bahrain, today.

AMR's Thiim, Sorensen Win 6H Bahrain; GT Driver's Title
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/amrs-thiim-sorensen-win-6h-bahrain-gt-drivers-title/

Audi Takes Emotional 1-2 in Final Race; Porsche Wins Drivers Title
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/audi-takes-emotional-1-2-in-final-race-porsche-win-drivers-title/

Leupen: Toyota Performance Didn't Match Expectations
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/leupen-toyota-performance-didnt-match-expectations/

Bahrain Post-Race Notebook
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/bahrain-post-race-notebook-2/

LMP1 Regulations Freeze Confirmed Through 2019
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/lmp1-regulations-freeze-confirmed-through-2019/

Menezes: "It's Like Getting in a Rocket Ship"
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/menezes-its-like-getting-in-a-rocket-ship/

Beaumesnil: LMP1 Will Remain Tech Leader Despite Regulations Freeze

http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/beaumesnil-lmp1-will-remain-technology-leader-despite-regs-freeze/

Lynn Targets Full-Time Sports Car Switch
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/lynn-targets-full-time-sportscar-switch/

Porsche Tops WEC Rookie Test
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/porsche-tops-wec-rookie-test/

Kubica Chasing WEC Drive
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/kubica-chasing-wec-drive-in-2017/

Rusinov Threatens To Leave WEC in Driver Rating Dispute
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/rusinov-threatens-to-leave-wec-in-driver-rating-dispute/

6 Hours of Bahrain race highlights

The short highlights of yesterday's FIA WEC season finale in Bahrain, that saw Porsche win the title, and Audi, go out in true style, with a race victory.

Winner & Highlights of the 6 Hours of Bahrain + 2016 FIA World Endurance Champions

We have reached the finale of the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship season, the 6 Hours of Bahrain, at the Sakhir Circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain.  Before the race got started, tributes were paid both to Mark Webber, who runs his final FIA World Endurance Championship event, and final race of his career, today, and to Audi, who also run their final ever sports car race today before exiting the sport after an amazing 17 year career, that includes 13 overall wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.  Webber was given a standing ovation in the driver's briefing.  Once again, tribute was also paid to Audi.  A thank you was also given to Audi Sport team boss, an icon of sports car racing in the 21st century, Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich.

In qualifying for the 6 Hours of Bahrain it was run under the lights, on a very warm evening, here in Bahrain.  Sakhir is a half hour's drive away from the capitol city of Manama.  The GT cars were the first ones to go out on track to set times.  Some drivers were scolded early by the stewards for track limits violations.  Be sure, that the quick lap you are on is between the white lines and actually on the blacktop, ladies and gentlemen.  Had they been on pole, the #83 AF Corse Ferrari 458 Italia in the hands of Francois Perrodo of France, Emmanuel Collard of France (a veteran endurance driver), and Portugal's Rui Aguas, would have locked up the championship in the LM GTE Am class with their Ferrari 458 Italia.

It was Pedro Lamy in one of the Aston Martin's making certain that the race for the title would indeed happen in the race itself.  The Ferrari 488's have been a tad off in their performance in LM GTE Pro.  Or, are they hiding their cards close to their chests right now?  The best effort by a Ferrari was third in class.  The #95 Aston Martin V8 Vantage ended up second in LM GTE Pro.  However, they could not compete with their team car #97.  Darren Turner and Johnny Adam (on his return to the WEC), nabbed pole position in class.  Let us now fast forward, to the final 20 minutes of qualifying for the big boys in the big toys.  It's Prototype qualifying in Bahrain!

This would be the final ever qualifying session for Audi Sport Team Joest.  Here's how LMP2 shook out.  Third best in class, the #44 Manor Oreca 05 Nissan shared by Matt Rao, Richard Bradley, and Alex Lynn.  Second place (going for pole but missing it, still tied in the championship lead), was the #36 Signatech Alpine A460 Nissan with Gustavo Menezes, Nicolas Lapierre, and Stephane Richelmi sharing the driving chores.  For the sixth time in 2016, it's the #26 crew from G-Drive Racing in their Oreca 05 Nissan, starting on pole.  Congratulations to Romain Rusinov, Rene Rast, and Alex Brundle.  They start on the LMP2 pole.

Now for the real fireworks.  Who would win pole overall in LMP1 Hybrid?  The #2 Porsche 919 squad are nearly champions.  But, almost, just isn't enough for Romain Dumas, Neel Jani, and Marc Lieb.  Lieb could only qualify third.  Ahead of him, outgoing world champion, Timo Bernhard in the #1 919 he shares with Mark Webber and Kiwi Brendon Hartley.  But, in their final ever race, Audi, is on pole with the #8 Audi R18 of Lucas Di Grassi, Loic Duval, and Oliver Jarvis.  The pre-race, and all the talk, is over.  No more talk.  Only do.  We are ready, for the 6 Hours of Bahrain.

We start the race, with the green flag being waved for the formation lap, as Race Director Edoardo Freitas keys the radio to the drivers.  There are two formation laps.  Tom Kristensen is here to watch.  We have the first formation lap as a lap of honor for Audi, celebrating their 17-18 year run in the world of top level sports car racing.  Freitas says, "Audi is leaving home, and as a family, we await it's return home to endurance racing, where it truly belongs.  From our side, thank you for everything."  Those sentiments are deeply echoed here, too.  Godspeed, Audi.  Six Hours on the clock.

A very long hold before they get to the start finish line.  Red lights, on.  Red lights, out!  Away we go for the start of the 2016 FIA WEC season finale!  The pole sitting Audi leads the charge as in the back of the field, cars are going six wide!  The LMP2 boys better straighten out fast, or they will be in for a real shemozzle into this first series of corners!  Beyond that little mess at the start, let's have a look at all of what happened in the first hour.  In that early stacking up we saw at the start, Alex Lynn moved down from third in class to at least sixth or seventh position.  Fast and frantic action at the sharp end as Audi and Toyota swapped positions.  The #6 Toyota went inside Marcel Fassler in Audi #7 and almost ran into the #1 Porsche!

Timo Bernhard is at the controls of the Porsche, presently.  Not sure which of the three drivers is in the Toyota.  It's probably Stephane Sarrazin, their most veteran driver.  Mike Conway and Kamui Kobayashi, will get their turns at the wheel during this race for sure.  Marcel Fassler in the #7 Audi tees up the Toyota, zaps on the hybrid energy recovery boost, and pushes the bye bye button, overtaking the red and white car.  We have a fair old scrap going in LM GTE Am as well between Porsche 911 RSR #86 in the hands of Mike Wainright (part of a trio of Brits in that car along with Ben Barker and Adam Carroll), making a move on the #98 Aston Martin V8 Vantage.  Paul Dalla Lana has no doubt started that car, sharing with Mathias Lauda and Formula 1 and sports car veteran, Pedro Lamy.

Barker is in the car for the first stint and he's had a fantastic drive.  Barker is second in class.  Now, Marcel Fassler wants to pass Timo Bernhard and these two are going to go at it hammer and tongs for a while.  ESM has also been running well before they move full-time back to IMSA competition in the United States in 2017.  Pippo Derani makes a move on his team mate.  The #30 car Tom Dillman of England, sharing with Sean Gelael and Giedo van der Garde this weekend, while the sister car #31 that Derani drives, he shares with regular co-drivers Ryan Dalziel and Chris Cumming.  Audi vs. Porsche and Audi #7 passes Porsche #1 in turn four.  Dr. Ullrich is appreciative.  We watch Mark Webber in pit lane, contemplating what will be the final drive of his career in a Porsche LMP1 racer.

Marcel Fassler has gone around Porsche #1, but it was much easier to dispose of the sister #2 car with Neel Jani at the controls.  Jani is struggling with the grip on his front tires.  The two Toyota's change places going through lapped traffic.  But then, a potentially dramatic moment for Porsche at the end of the first hour.  The #78 KCMG Porsche 911 RSR blends across the right side of the road and slams the left rear of the #2 Porsche which is currently leading in the driver's championship.  Pit stop time for Porsche, to replace a punctured tire.  Car #78 has been given the black and white penalty flag for that avoidable contact.

The #78 LM GTE Am class Porsche 911 RSR is shared by German's Christian Ried and Wolf Henzler (a veteran GT driver), and Swiss driver Joel Camathias.  In the meantime, more GT action as Ferrari and Aston Martin swap places.  At that point, both Aston Martin's have gone around the Ferrari, one of the AF Corse cars.  What does a driver do on his break out of the car?  Well, Porsche's Marc Lieb is kicking the soccer ball around a bit.  Could he have a future career as a footballer?  That remains to be seen.

We fast forward through the race action and there's a couple seconds between the two Audi's with Brendon Hartley another 48 seconds behind the leader.  The Toyota's are a bit further behind.  Kazuki Nakajima currently in the #5 car and in #6, Mike Conway.  Those are the top five cars, as we have just over three and a half hours now remaining, in our highlighted coverage of the 6 Hours of Bahrain.  These cars racing through the darkness with headlights on and brake discs glowing, is quite the sight to behold.  We take a look at what happened in the race's third hour.  We are halfway home now, in Bahrain.

Sebastien Buemi and Mark Webber battled in the darkness with Buemi locking the brakes and smoking the tires on his #5 Toyota TS050 Hybrid.  The LMP2 contenders were having some of the best battles on the road at this juncture.  But then, more drama!  Paul Dalla Lana, trying to keep his and Aston Martin's hopes alive in the LM GTE Am championship, lost a wheel and had loads of smoke spewing from the left rear corner of the V8 Vantage.  Dalla Lana, unquestionably immediately dove for the pit lane.  Poor old Johnny Adam, back at Aston Martin for the first time in a wee while, suffered the same fate, but it was the right rear tire that departed the car.  You've picked a fine time to leave me, loose wheel.

Correction.  Adam, lost the right front wheel.  Nonetheless, a full course yellow was deployed, the first of the race.  Aston Martin #95 in the hands of Nikki Thiim and Marco Sorensen was running well, as was the #88 Abu Dhabi Proton Porsche 911 RSR in LM GTE Am.  Khaled Al Qubaisi, David Heinemeier Hanson, and Patrick Long, at the wheel of it.  The #95 led LM GTE Pro, the #36 Alpine, LMP2, and overall, the #8 Audi R18.

We now press the fast forward button, to hour five.  One hour remains in the race.  One hour remains, in the 2016 FIA WEC season.  We've seen a real dogfight in LMP2 and it's been between Signatech Alpin and RGR Sport by Morand.  Actually, five or six cars in the class, have led it.  Kind of amazing, isn't it?  With the already documented tire problems for Aston Martin, the LM GTE Pro championship has gone the way of AF Corse!  Check that.  The Aston fell out with engine issues and then the sister car with Johnny Adam at the keyboard, lost a wheel.  Darren Turner has had to claw his way back through the field since then.

Both Toyota's have kept the Porsche's and the Audi's honest this entire race.  But, they just haven't been too much of a factor at the front.  A little tradin' paint between G Drive and RGR Sport.  Tradin' paint, argy bargy, dodge 'em cars... call it what you like.  It was intense.  That's real racing.  No action taken by the stewards for that little battle.  Patrick Long for local team Abu Dhabi Proton Racing, leads in LM GTE Am right now.  We now have under an hour to go in the season.  Stay tuned for the conclusion of this one.

We've seen high emotion and high drama this whole race.  We wish Audi godspeed.  Porsche #2 despite not having a podium since winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in that bizarre finish, they will go on to win the championship.  The final pit stops Audi will ever make in competition in WEC, were done with aplomb and with Audi style.  We have seen more than 15 overall lead changes through the course of today's six hour race.  Mark Webber's driving career is also the end of an era and a sendoff for the outgoing world champions at Porsche.  They will take the 919 Hybrid to third place in the overall.  The racing in other categories isn't over yet.  LMP2 still has to be settled.

Rene Rast and Filipe Albuqerque have battled all day long.  Rast gets the better of Albuquerque.  Abu Dhabi Racing will win in their home event here in Bahrain, with drivers Khaled Al Qubaisi, David Heinemeier Hanson, and Patrick Long.  Aston Martin takes the LM GTE Pro win.  Audi ends an era in sports car racing that will never, ever be forgotten, with a 1-2 finish!  Extraordinary scenes in pit lane as all competitors applauded the Audi crew for their victory in their sendoff from a decorated 17 year career in endurance sports car racing.  Audi celebrates, and so does Porsche.  The #2 team of Romain Dumas, Neel Jani, and Marc Lieb, they are not just Le Mans winners.  They are the 2016 FIA World Endurance Champions!

We have a look at our final class winners and our champions.

Overall/LMP1: #8 Di Grassi/Duval/Jarvis     Audi R18

             LMP2: #26 Rusinov/Rast/Brundle    Oreca 05 Nissan

             LM GTE Pro: #95 Thiim/Sorenson   Aston Martin V8 Vantage

             LM GTE Am: #88 Al Qubaisis/Heinemeier Hanson/Long     Porsche 911 RSR
 
Today has been a day of remembering great races, and saying farewell to friends and rivals alike.  Audi wins their 107th victory in a total of 187 career races since 1999.  What a phenomenal achievement.  Yours truly, has been there, most of the way, seeing the Audi team grow and mature into the true motorsports and sports car racing dynasty it became.  They can hold onto a better than 50% win rate in world class motor racing.  What an amazing group of people.  What an amazing team.  They've put it all together, especially within the last five years as competitors in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

We remember their success in the United States as well, where they won lots of races with factory cars and also had customer teams in the U.S., Europe, and Japan.  Audi Sport UK, Stefan Johansson's Gulf team, Champion Racing, and Team Goh.  We pay tribute, too, to a world champion, Mark Webber.  This was his second go around in endurance racing, having also nearly won an FIA GT World Championship with Mercedes way back in 1998.  Mark Webber was the first person to sign on with Porsche in 2014, helping to develop the 919 Hybrid into what it is, a world class race car, today.  Within half a year, and in a stunning race at Fuji, Japan, he was on top of everything in the FIA WEC.

Webber now starts life as a former Porsche world champion, which will always be with him, and an ambassador to the brand itself.  Godspeed, Mark Webber.  Cheers, mate, for a job well done.  That is the end of another great season, and an end of an era for Audi.  Audi, we will miss you.  Look for a wrap up of this race, tomorrow, with new coverage, and also more off season coverage from the WEC here on Endurance... The Sports Car Racing Blog.  What a season it was in 2016.  We'll see you again, next year, in 2017.

So long, for now, everyone.


     

more FIA WEC news from Bahrain

As we prepare for tomorrow's finale of the FIA World Endurance Championship in Bahrain, here is more news from the series leading up to the race.  Remember, coverage on Endurance... The Sports Car Racing Blog, will be limited, to an abbreviated race report, after the race is over.

Porsche Reveals Mid-Engined 911 RSR
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/porsche-reveals-mid-engined-911-rsr/

Walliser: Mid-Engined Porsche 911 RSR Within GTE Rules
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/walliser-mid-engined-porsche-911-rsr-within-gte-rules/

BR Engineering, Dallara Join Forces for LMP1 Project with SMP
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/br-engineering-dallara-team-up-for-lmp1-project/

Porsche Tops Free Practice 1 in Bahrain
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/jani-fastest-in-bahrain-free-practice-1/

VIDEO: SMP Racing on Move to LMP1
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/video-smp-racing-on-step-up-to-lmp1/

Jani Fastest on Thursday at Bahrain
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/jani-fastest-on-thursday-at-bahrain/

Howarth (AMR): Title Challenge The Result of "Marginal Gains"
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/howarth-amr-title-challenge-the-result-of-marginal-gains/

Bahrain Thursday Notebook
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/bahrain-thursday-notebook-3/

Porsche Quickest Again in FP3
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/porsche-quickest-again-in-fp3-2/

Lietz Reflects on Outgoing Porsche 911 RSR
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/lietz-reflects-on-outgoing-911-rsr/

How does a driver change work?  RGR Sport explains.

VIDEO: Behind The Scenes with RGR Sport: Driver Changes & Seat Inserts

http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/video-behind-the-scenes-with-rgr-sport-driver-changes-seat-inserts/

VIDEO: Aston Martin Mannequin Challenge
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/video-aston-martin-racing-mannequin-challenge/

Aston Martin Sweeps GTE Qualifying in Bahrain
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/aston-martin-sweeps-gte-qualifying-in-bahrain-2/

Di Grassi, Jarvis Score Pole for Audi's Final Race
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/di-grassi-jarvis-score-pole-in-audis-final-race/

Plus, additional late breaking news before the race tomorrow.

VIDEO: Bahrain Qualifying Highlights
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/video-bahrain-qualifying-highlights-3/

G-Drive Loses Bahrain LMP2 Pole
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/g-drive-lose-6h-bahrain-lmp2-pole/

Bahrain Friday Notebook
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/bahrain-friday-notebook-3/

Gibson-Powered Onroak Ligier LMP2 Impresses In North American Debut for PR1/Mathiasen Motorsports

Not only that, but SunEnergy Racing also had a successful outing in the Daytona test with their new Mercedes AMG GT3 in GT Daytona.  Check out both stories in the same link, HERE:

http://www.imsa.com/news/112016/gibson-powered-onroak-ligier-lm-p2-impresses-north-american-debut-pr1mathiasen

Anticipation Builds for 2017 IMSA WeatherTech Championship as New GT Daytona Models Begin Testing

A follow-up story to the videos posted earlier of the new GT Daytona cars testing at Daytona International Speedway.

http://www.imsa.com/news/112016/anticipation-builds-2017-imsa-weathertech-championship-new-gt-daytona-models-begin

2016 IMSA November Daytona Testing

Videos from YouTube uploaded by Lanky Turtle of the recent November test sessions for the 2017 Rolex 24 at Daytona featuring much of the GTLM and GT Daytona machinery out on track.  The second video is the new Lexus RC F GT Daytona racer, and the third, is the new Acura NSX GT3.  Enjoy.

Mazda Unveils New Daytona Prototype International Race Car For WeatherTech Championship Prototype Class

Mazda's factory entry for the 2017 Daytona Prototype International division in the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship, has been unveiled.  Go below, to the link, to check out the full 411. 

http://www.imsa.com/news/112016/mazda-unveils-new-daytona-prototype-international-race-car-weathertech-championship

What It's Like To Race A Nissan GTP ZX-Turbo At Age 23

For up and coming racer Theo Bean, this had to be the thrill of a lifetime!

http://petrolicious.com/what-its-like-to-race-a-nissan-gtp-zx-turbo-at-age-23

IMSA: DeltaWing cancels Rolex 24 return

Sad news for their fans.  No mas, for the DeltaWing.  They will not race at the 2017 Rolex 24 at Daytona in January as they had planned to do.

http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/136416-imsa-deltawing-cancels-rolex-24-return

FIA WEC news before the finale in Bahrain + a note on coverage of the race itself

First, a note on coverage of this Saturday's finale for the FIA World Endurance Championship, the 6 Hours of Bahrain, at the Sakhir circuit.  Only the first hour of the race itself, will be broadcast, on Fox Sports 1 this Saturday, November 19th.  So, if you want to see the first hour, you may, but will have to catch up with the rest of the race online.  Yours truly feels that with one hour of coverage, a full race report, is not justified.  So, there will be a race report, on Saturday, culled from the shortened race highlights when the Bahrain event, has reached it's conclusion.

In the meantime, here are some of the stories being followed, headed into the Bahrain race this weekend, via Sportscar365.

More will follow, during the week in the lead up to the race, as it develops.

Mondini Launches WEC LMP2 Team
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/mondini-launches-lmp2-team/

O'Ward, Owen Confirmed with RGR Sport for Rookie Test
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/oward-owen-confirmed-with-rgr-sport-for-rookie-test/

Ford's Slowed in 10th BoP Change of Season

http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/fords-slowed-in-tenth-bop-change-of-season/

Adam Returns to No. 97 Aston Martin for 6H Bahrain
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/adam-returns-to-no-97-aston-martin-for-6h-bahrain/

Webber: "The Best Thing We Can Do is Win"
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/webber-the-best-thing-we-can-do-is-win/

Bahrain Wednesday Notebook
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/bahrain-wednesday-notebook-3/

Stay tuned, for more news from Bahrain, the rest of this week, and again, an abbreviated race summary.

Blancpain Endurance Series Round 5: Nurburgring & 2016 Endurance Cup champions

The final race of the 2016 Blancpain Endurance Series, was a three hour event at the legendary Nurburgring, and was run in that format as opposed to last year's finale that was a 1,000 kilometer endurance event.  The winner of the race was the #16 Grasser Racing GRT Lamborghini Huracan GT3 was the winning car, shared by Mirko Bortolotti of Italy, German racer, Christian Engelhart, and Switzerland's Rolf Ineichen.  The Pro-Am division was won by a trio of German drivers racing for Black Pearl Racing in their #66 Ferrari 458 Italia GT3 (a year old car).  The drivers were Daniel Keilwitz, Blancpain series veteran Alexander Mattschull, and Steve Parrow. 

In the Am division (strictly for gentleman drivers, as the name implies), the race winners in the Eiffel Mountains were AKKA ASP with a trio of Frenchmen piloting their #87 Mercedes AMG GT3.  Jean-Luc Beaubelique, Maurice Ricci, and Gilles Vannelet.  Once again, your winners.

Overall/Pro: #16 Bortolotti/Engelhart/Ineichen     Lamborghini Huracan GT3

            Pro Am: #66 Keilwitz/Mattschull/Parrow   Ferrari 458 Italia

            Am: #87 Beaubelique/Ricci/Vannelet         Mercedes AMG GT3

In the championship itself, Garage 59 McLaren wins the overall trophy, with Shane van Gisbergen, and Rob Bell, who also had Frenchman Come Ledogar team with them for some races.  Congratulations, Garage 59!

Overall Champions: #59 Shane van Gisbergen & Rob Bell     Garage 59 McLaren 650S GT3

Kessel Racing and Ferrari win the Pro Am Cup, again, with an Italian trio driving their #11 Ferrari 488 GT3.  The new turbocharged Ferrari was driven to the championship by Alessandro Bonacini and Andrea Rizzoli, with their third driver, Michal Bronazewski, from Poland. 

Pro Am Champions: #11 Bonacini/Rizoli/Bronazewski     Kessel Racing Ferrari 488 GT3

In the Am Cup, honors went to another Kessel Racing Ferrari 458 Italia.  Car #888 was shared throughout the season by Aussie Liam Talbot, Italy's Marco Zannutini, and Russia's Vadim Gitlin. 

Am Champions: #888 Talbot/Zannutini/Gitlin     Kessel Racing Ferrari 458 Italia

So, overall honors to Garage 59 and Pro Am/Am honors both to Kessel Racing.  Congratulations to the 2016 Blancpain Endurance Series champions!  Celebrate!  You earned it.  We'll see you for more Blancpain Endurance Series in 2017.  So long for now, everyone.

IMSA coverage

Yours truly still has to update a few of the 2016 IMSA races when there is time.  Also, there is lots and lots of news to cover for the upcoming 2017 season, as testing is already underway for the 2017 season and also, for the 55th running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona at Daytona International Speedway Stay tuned, as there will be testing coverage, but yours truly has to backtrack on some of the races and find time to write about them.

FIA WEC news update

An update on the news from the FIA World Endurance Championship after Shanghai and before the finale in Bahrain.

Dillman to Make Debut in ESM Ligier for 6H Bahrain
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/dillman-to-make-debut-in-esm-ligier-for-6h-bahrain/

Toyota's 2017 Full-Season Lineup Already Finalized
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/toyotas-2017-full-season-lineup-already-finalized/

FFF Team by ACM Targeting Future GTE Program
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/fff-team-by-acm-targeting-future-gte-program/

The latest Double Stint podcast.

Double Stint: Shanghai Recap; Gustavo Menezes Interview (11-8-16)

http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/double-stint-shanghai-recap-gustavo-menezes-interview-11-8-16/

Owen Jones: No "Absolute Timeframe" for Arrival of New P1 Manufacturers

http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/owen-jones-no-absolute-timeframe-for-arrival-of-new-lmp1-manufacturers/

Real-Time Atmospheric Pressure Adjustments for GTE in 2017

http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/wec-to-implement-real-time-atmospheric-pressure-adjustments-in-gte/

Rebellion to Run Oreca 07 LMP2 Cars
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/rebellion-to-run-oreca-07-lmp2-cars/

2017 LMP2 Speeds Under Debate
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/2017-lmp2-speeds-under-debate/

RGR Sport Contemplates Future Amid Driver Rating Concerns
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/rgr-sport-contemplates-future-amid-driver-rating-dispute/

Chan: "We Hope to Have the First Chinese World Champion"
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/chan-we-hope-to-have-the-first-chinese-world-champion/

Shanghai Content Recap

A recap of all the stories from the 6 Hours of Shanghai on Sportscar365.

http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/shanghai-content-recap-2/

PR1 Ligier JS P217 Headlines November Daytona Test Entry

Testing for the 2017 IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship, and the 55th running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona, is set to get underway at Daytona International Speedway, next week.  The entry list as it currently stands, is included in this article.

http://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/imsa-daytona-november-test-entry-list-released/

Ford planning a four-car effort at 2017 Rolex 24

Four factory Ford GT's could be racing in the GT Le Mans division, at the 55th running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona coming up in January.

http://www.foxsports.com/motor/story/rolex-24-daytona-ford-gt-110916

2001 Rolex 24 at Daytona Part 6

Part six of the 2001 running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

2001 Rolex 24 at Daytona Part 5

Part five of the 2001 Rolex 24 at Daytona.

2001 Rolex 24 at Daytona Part 4

Part four of the 2001 Rolex 24 at Daytona.

2001 Rolex 24 at Daytona Part 3

Part three of the 2001 Rolex 24 at Daytona.

2001 Rolex 24 at Daytona Part 2

Part two of the 2001 Rolex 24 at Daytona.

2001 Rolex 24 at Daytona Part 1

Part one of the 2001 Rolex 24 at Daytona. We join the one and only time that Speedvision covered this great race, flag to flag, with an all-star commentary team including Bob Varsha, David Hobbs, Sam Posey, Rick Benjamin, Jeremy Dale, Greg Creamer, Calvin Fish, Andrew Marriott, Alain de Cadenet, Guy Hobbs, Dave Burns, and feature reporter, Sandy Heng.   

IMSA: Mid-engine Porsche 911 RSR tests continue

This story was published a couple of weeks ago.  But here are the details as testing of the new 2017 mid-engine Porsche 911 RSR continued.  Marshall Pruett, writing for Racer magazine, has the scoop.

http://www.racer.com/imsa/item/135800-imsa-mid-engine-porsche-911-rsr-tests-continue

post-race news after the 6 Hours of Shanghai

News and notes after yesterday's running of the 6 Hours of Shanghai for the FIA World Endurance Championship, with one race still remaining in the season, in Bahrain.

Ford Sweeps GTE-Pro in Shanghai
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/ford-sweeps-gte-pro-in-shanghai/

Signatech Alpine Locks Up LMP2 Title in Shanghai
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/signatech-alpine-clinches-lmp2-title-g-drive-wins-in-shanghai/

Porsche dominates Shanghai, clinches manufacturer's title
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/porsche-dominates-shanghai-clinches-manufacturers-title/

VIDEO: Shanghai Race Highlights
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/video-shanghai-race-highlights-3/

KCMG Porsche Given Post-Race Penalty
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/kcmg-porsche-given-post-race-penalty/

Joest Exploring Future Options; LMP1 Non-Hybrid Possibility
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/joest-exploring-future-lmp1-non-hybrid-option/

Shanghai Post-Race Notebook
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/shanghai-post-race-notebook-2/

GT World Championship Titles Proposed
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/wec-proposing-gt-world-championship-title/

Seidl: Third Porsche for Le Mans Currently "Not a Topic"
http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/seidl-third-porsche-for-le-mans-currently-not-a-topic/

6 Hours of Shanghai: Hour 6 (the finish)

Audi has 39 starts, 16 wins, and 15 poles.  30 something podiums.  They have lots of wins at Le Mans, too.  They've been a sports car racing benchmark for many years.  Matteo Tuscher hits pit lane in the Rebellion.  Tuscher has had some issues with his Rebellion and has been on fire.  Game over for Matteo Tuscher.  1:48.5 for Brendon Hartley.  1:47.6 for Kamui Kobayashi.  This is getting very, very close.  The #2 Porsche will struggle on it's tires.  Will Kamui Kobayashi be able to get ahead?  Porsche is going to struggle for grip here.

55 minutes to go in Shanghai.  This race is not done yet.  Can Toyota leapfrog Porsche?  It's Jani vs. Kobayashi vs. Davidson.  Kobayashi is a second behind Neel Jani.  If they finish where they are now, Porsche will have 26 points ahead in the championship for Bahrain.  If Toyota didn't claim pole in Bahrain, then Porsche would have it.  Who will blink first to hit pit lane?  It's going to be tight as we get to the finish here.  Will Stevens, Pippo Derani, and Tom Blomqvist have all made their final pit stops in LMP2.  Oh wow!  Sebasiten Buemi tries inside Neel Jani.  He goes defensive and puts the Porsche offline.  The Toyota gets second!  This is massive for the driver's championship.  It's impossible for Porsche to swap their cars using team orders.

This is not over, dear viewers and dear readers.  This will be a fuel mileage race.  Porsche goes off line and the Toyota's are going to pounce.  Toyota's have not gone into the lane yet.  Neel Jani has trashed his tires.  He's got trouble and can't get any front end grip.  Anthony Davidson is just two seconds behind now.  If positions stand, the LM GTE Am title could be awarded at Bahrain during qualifying.  Holy cow!  This battle for the podium is gettiung hot.  Anthony Davidson is 2.3 seconds in-arrears of Neel Jani.  Kamui Kobayashi is coming, and coming fast.  We will see Kobayashi vs. Hartley for the final 45 minutes?  Yes please.  But, not really.

Will Stevens sets fastest lap in LMP2.  But it is not a record.  The grip is going away from this track as we get to the end.  We still have a good 40 minutes left.  The chips begin to fall.  Neel Jani takes tires after hitting pit lane and Toyota stays on track.  Will Toyota roll the dice?  Will they follow Porsche's strategy?  Apologies about LM GTE Am.  AF Corse would win the championship in Bahrain.  But Wolf Henzler is also close and Aston Martin would have to finish second in order for AF Corse to be champions.  Alpine in the pit lane again.  Just over a half hour to go.  Toyota is pushing, and I don't have to tell you, hard.

1:46.6 was the LMP1 lap record set in 2015 by Andre Lotterer.  Brendon Hartley lowers it to 1:45.9.  LM GTE Pro has a new record of 2:02.217 by Andy Priaulx.  Major development of the cars, yields quicker times.  But, as for the track here in Shanghai, grip has gone away over the last two or three years.  The driver's championship will go to Bahrain unless there is drama.  Porsche is going to win the manufacturer's championship and they will run #1 and #2 again in 2017.  Ford could not catch a break earlier in the year, but they are now on the verge of getting their second straight class win.

When will Toyota hit pit lane?  What will they do?  Toyota has the advantage and they can get away with rounding out the podium in second and third.  The battle for third in LMP2 will go to the wire.  Fuel only for LMP2 front runners.  Brendon Hartley is in the lane for the final stop for Porsche.  Kamui Kobayashi has to back the leader into his tracks.  Anthony Davidson cannot afford to be held up by Brendon Hartley.  Hartley has new tires.  Brendon Hartley has to keep his nose clean through traffic.

Rui Aguas and Wolf Henzler run for second place honors in LM GTE Am, for the championship, and they have to finish well in Bahrain.  The CLM makes it's final stop as the #7 Audi continues to recover.  Aston Martin has a monster fight on their hands to keep their chances alive against Ferrari for the manufacturer's championship.  Ferrari may be campaigning for a change in Balance of Performance for Bahrain.  The Toyota makes a pit stop.  Brendon Hartley leads with 22 minutes to go.  Fuel and tires for Toyota's final stop for Kamui Kobayashi.  No tires.  Wow!  That's a roll of the dice if there ever was one.

From here, there is time to run another eleven laps.  Will Anthony Davidson go for tires?  The pendulum swings another time.  39 seconds is the gap between Kamui Kobayashi and Neel Jani.  Has Toyota won the race?  We'll see.  #5 is in the lane now.  No tires.  Fuel only for Anthony Davidson.  It's a short stop.  No sign of the Porsche.  Where is the Porsche?  Don't use the curbs.  Twenty minutes to go.  They could have taken tires, but they have the time.  If they finish second and third behind the Porsche, then, the championship goes to the wire in Bahrain.

Less than 15 minutes remain now.  There's going to be a points shakeup here.  Things have settled down a shade.  Will the LMP2 crown be settled this evening?  We'll find out shortly.  The final podium place in LMP2 is being decided between Filipe Albuquerque and Nicolas Minassian.  Will Stevens and G Drive lead.  They want their second victory in succession.  Pippo Derani is going to test for Toyota, and Gustavo Menezes will test for Porsche.  Will these boys come back to WEC?  Will Derani be in IMSA?

How much will Nissan be involved with ESM?  They will only be an engine supplier.  We have five minutes left.  Porsche will win with Brendon Hartley for the race win and the manufacturer's championship. 195 laps.  660 miles.  Marcel Fassler has fought his way up to seventh.  He is taking time out of Simon Trummer.  The #98 Aston Martin has had a faultless race today.  Three minutes to go now.  We are coming to the end of the 6 Hours of Shanghai.

Will Stevens will bring G Drive another win.  Porsche will win their sixth (if not seventh), win of the FIA WEC 2016 season.  Brendon Hartley runs the fastest sector 3 time of his race, with used tires.  One extra pit stop, foiled Toyota's chances of winning this race.  For the second race in succession, we've had a fairly clean one.  195 laps is a distance record for this race.  There is an incident to investigate in LMP2.  Ford wins LM GTE Pro.  Aston Martin wins LM GTE Am.

Porsche defends their manufacturer's championship.  Audi has done this as well.  All three factories have won titles in the five years of the championship. 

Overall/LMP1: #1 Bernhard/Webber/Hartley     Porsche 919 Hybrid

             LMP2: #26 Stevens/Rusinov/Brundle    Oreca 05 Nissan

             LM GTE Pro: #67 Tincknell/Priaulx      Ford GT

             LM GTE Am: #98 Dalla Lana/Lamy/Lauda     Aston Martin V8 Vantage

A Ferrari has been off the road briefly.  Two Toyota's complete the podium places. But, Porsche wins in Shanghai.  We have one more race left.  The 6 Hours of Bahrain, in two weeks, on Saturday morning, November 19th.  So, instead of coffee to keep us fueled at night, have coffee with breakfast, and join us for all the action at the Sakhir circuit, to close out the 2016 season and crown the FIA WEC champions.  So long, for now, everyone.